Trainee Train Driver - Virgin Trains East Coast

[Duns2208]

Nothing I'm afraid. I'm wandering if I have been forgotten about, did I dream it, will there be a job? but they did say they would be in touch with everyone by Oct; it just so far away!

Like everyone (I suppose), I am going through torture!

Did anyone pass psychometrics in Apr or later?

I found out beginning of May, (took psychometrics at end of April). The guys from OPC said they had (I think) 3 more people to test that week and they were then done.

I'd missed the "keep in touch" day as was still in the process at that point so didn't realise we could be waiting up till October to find out, my email just said "be in touch soon".

Would be so good to have a date though.

 

[Sirgerbil]

There was a course of internals that started today, and there's an external course that starts next week.

As far as I've seen there's no more courses posted at my depot. Come November there will be 12 trainees out doing their hours. They are currently recruiting DT's as I don't think there is currently 12.

Hopefully you guys hear something soon, it's worth the wait!

 

[CJM]

There was a course of internals that started today, and there's an external course that starts next week.

As far as I've seen there's no more courses posted at my depot. Come November there will be 12 trainees out doing their hours. They are currently recruiting DT's as I don't think there is currently 12.

Hopefully you guys hear something soon, it's worth the wait!

And I thought having to wait for the new series of GoT was bad enough!

 

[FManc]

There was a course of internals that started today, and there's an external course that starts next week.

As far as I've seen there's no more courses posted at my depot. Come November there will be 12 trainees out doing their hours. They are currently recruiting DT's as I don't think there is currently 12.

Hopefully you guys hear something soon, it's worth the wait!

What depot are you based at out of interest?

 

[Lenny85]

I'm due to start next week, can't wait!

 

[Sirgerbil]

What depot are you based at out of interest?

King's Cross.

 

[Skyrail]

Nothing I'm afraid. I'm wandering if I have been forgotten about, did I dream it, will there be a job? but they did say they would be in touch with everyone by Oct; it just so far away!

Like everyone (I suppose), I am going through torture!

Did anyone pass psychometrics in Apr or later?

I took pschyometrics in mid April and heard I'd passed about a week later with the offer of a position and the email stating they'd let us know our start dates by October. I've still not heard anything further and waiting is excruciating! For me its a relocation so I'm keen to hear so I can start planning my move so once that is underway it'll all start to feel very real!

Has anyone heard if there's any plans for another keeping in touch event?

 

[Peppajug78]

I'm due to start next week, can't wait!

Do you mind me asking what date your medical was on? Trying to get an idea of how far down the line I am in the process. My medical was in March.

 

[vintagegt]

I took pschyometrics in mid April and heard I'd passed about a week later with the offer of a position and the email stating they'd let us know our start dates by October. I've still not heard anything further and waiting is excruciating! For me its a relocation so I'm keen to hear so I can start planning my move so once that is underway it'll all start to feel very real!

Has anyone heard if there's any plans for another keeping in touch event?

I'm the same. Early April psychometrics pass and still waiting. It is torturous now and almost feels like none of it was real!

Thank god for this forum I guess. At least this gives us some means of keeping each other informed and realising there are a lot of us in the same boat. It would be nice just to have a date to work towards, even if it was quite far off. It's the not knowing and waiting that is difficult when you're raring to go!

I just keep thinking it'll all be worth it.

 

[Peppajug78]

I'm the same. Early April psychometrics pass and still waiting. It is torturous now and almost feels like none of it was real!

Thank god for this forum I guess. At least this gives us some means of keeping each other informed and realising there are a lot of us in the same boat. It would be nice just to have a date to work towards, even if it was quite far off. It's the not knowing and waiting that is difficult when you're raring to go!

I just keep thinking it'll all be worth it.

Have you had your medical yet pal? Had mine 3 months ago and still waiting to hear.

 

[vintagegt]

Have you had your medical yet pal? Had mine 3 months ago and still waiting to hear.

No mate. Not even got a date for it yet so going to run into next year for me before I get started I reckon.

 

[Lenny85]

Do you mind me asking what date your medical was on? Trying to get an idea of how far down the line I am in the process. My medical was in March.

Was in Feb at some point can't remember date

 

[FManc]

What do people make of the financial situation regarding VTEC announced today. Do you think it'll impact those of us that haven't been given a start date? I'm still imagining they require the new drivers owing to the new stock/driver retirement/network expansion?

 

[Duns2208]

What do people make of the financial situation regarding VTEC announced today. Do you think it'll impact those of us that haven't been given a start date? I'm still imagining they require the new drivers owing to the new stock/driver retirement/network expansion?

I'm hoping that the planning in terms of the Azuma trains/increased routes etc were all done knowing this was the case. From what I've read the predictions are that VTEC would be profitable from 2019 onwards. Trying to remain positive that it should not therefore have any impact on those of us still waiting. Have to admit though I had similar thoughts over the election and Labour's manifesto on nationalising the railways again.
I don't think I'll properly relax until I've got a contract and start date.

 

[Kaltias]

I'm hoping that the planning in terms of the Azuma trains/increased routes etc were all done knowing this was the case. From what I've read the predictions are that VTEC would be profitable from 2019 onwards. Trying to remain positive that it should not therefore have any impact on those of us still waiting. Have to admit though I had similar thoughts over the election and Labour's manifesto on nationalising the railways again.
I don't think I'll properly relax until I've got a contract and start date.

Me too.. I don't even care if it'll be the start of next year, just having a start date would be immensely helpful. I'm on a temp contract at my current job until December so would be nice to plan if I'm gonna be unemployed for a few months!

 

[Sirgerbil]

I know it's easy for me to say "Don't worry" but I really wouldn't, I've heard from one of the trainers yesterday that they intend to recruit again next year, so there is definitely need for drivers.

As we move closer to the 800s expect more movement, I know quite a few drivers will not be wanting to learn the new stock and looking at their options once it gets to that point.

 

[danyurl]

I know it's easy for me to say "Don't worry" but I really wouldn't, I've heard from one of the trainers yesterday that they intend to recruit again next year, so there is definitely need for drivers.

As we move closer to the 800s expect more movement, I know quite a few drivers will not be wanting to learn the new stock and looking at their options once it gets to that point.

Thanks for the reassurance Sirgerbil. Yesterday's announcement was making this waiting even more unbearable!

 

[vintagegt]

Thanks for the reassurance Sirgerbil. Yesterday's announcement was making this waiting even more unbearable!

I'd second that. Thanks Sigerbil.

We're all trying very hard to 'keep the faith'!

 

[Duns2208]

I know it's easy for me to say "Don't worry" but I really wouldn't, I've heard from one of the trainers yesterday that they intend to recruit again next year, so there is definitely need for drivers.

As we move closer to the 800s expect more movement, I know quite a few drivers will not be wanting to learn the new stock and looking at their options once it gets to that point.

Good to hear and thanks for sharing with us

 

[Kaltias]

Have any of you ladies/gents been able to re-register on the website? I'm aware the initial application wasn't done via the website but by email so we shouldn't have to register at all?

 

[donpoku]

I know it's easy for me to say "Don't worry" but I really wouldn't, I've heard from one of the trainers yesterday that they intend to recruit again next year, so there is definitely need for drivers.

As we move closer to the 800s expect more movement, I know quite a few drivers will not be wanting to learn the new stock and looking at their options once it gets to that point.

Hi you ok, how is the course going?
If you or any KX /Euston drivers can answer me a few questions I will really appreciate it.

Firstly, what routes do KX /Euston drivers sign, a route diagram / working timetable from start to finish for KX /Euston drivers would be nice.

Secondly, what is the Longest and shortest time before a PNB.

And finally how often is night shift?

Thanks.



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[FManc]

Have any of you ladies/gents been able to re-register on the website? I'm aware the initial application wasn't done via the website but by email so we shouldn't have to register at all?

Nah I wouldn't have thought we need to re-register at all! All our details etc will be on their own system I'd imagine.

 

[godfreycomplex]

Hi you ok, how is the course going?
If you or any KX /Euston drivers can answer me a few questions I will really appreciate it.

Firstly, what routes do KX /Euston drivers sign, a route diagram / working timetable from start to finish for KX /Euston drivers would be nice.

Secondly, what is the Longest and shortest time before a PNB.

And finally how often is night shift?

Thanks.



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Euston (West Coast) do Euston - Preston (via Trent Valley & West Midlands) plus Manchester (via Stoke/Wilmslow) as a core; plus Wembley depot
Lower links (there are quite a few I believe) are 390 & 221 and go to Chester
Higher links lose Chester and 221 but gain Liverpool.
A fair few diversions but I'm not even going to try to guess those; mostly in the Midlands (although via Northampton is just treated as the slow lines at VT so everyone signs)
No idea on roster but there are night turns (mostly ferrymen). Not sure how often though. No double tripping for drivers so probably mostly short jobs.

Kings Cross (East Coast) do 43 & 91
Routes are Kings Cross - Newcastle & Doncaster - Leeds; plus Bounds Green/Ferme Park
Diversions include Hertford Loop; Doncaster decoy; possibly Knottingley/Castleford. Some do via Cambridge. Some may do the joint line (via Lincoln) although I believe that's mostly Leeds crew.
Nights every 5-6 weeks (mostly ferrymen but not entirely; there's one turn that does last one to York and first back from Donny) & Sundays inside the week.
Not sure about the rest. No double tripping here either.
Somebody will be along to correct me soon I'm sure - but I hope that helps

 

[Sirgerbil]

Kings Cross (East Coast) do 43 & 91
Routes are Kings Cross - Newcastle & Doncaster - Leeds; plus Bounds Green/Ferme Park
Diversions include Hertford Loop; Doncaster decoy; possibly Knottingley/Castleford. Some do via Cambridge. Some may do the joint line (via Lincoln) although I believe that's mostly Leeds crew.
Nights every 5-6 weeks (mostly ferrymen but not entirely; there's one turn that does last one to York and first back from Donny) & Sundays inside the week.
Not sure about the rest. No double tripping here either.
Somebody will be along to correct me soon I'm sure - but I hope that helps

Pretty much correct for east coast, There is some double tripping. One job has you doing a double Newark some jobs you will do a depot/wash move first half and then do a Leeds second half.

Shortest time for a PNB...In terms of diagrammed would be a Newark return. Longest could be 3 hours for a Newcastle however you usually get enough dwell time at York to nip to the loo of you get put on platform 9. Always carry a bottle and worst comes to worst you'll have to nip back and take care of business if in DVT and explain after.

You'll sign Hertford almost immediately followed by Cambridge as they get you out of the poop.

 

[donpoku]

Cheers guys much appreciated


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[xtradj]

Hi all, I had an email earlier informing me that if I've not yet had a start date it will be confirmed by October. The email seemed addressed to more than one person as it did not mention my name specifically so I guess many of you will have also received it. If not just informing anyone who'd like to know

 

[danyurl]

Hi all, I had an email earlier informing me that if I've not yet had a start date it will be confirmed by October. The email seemed addressed to more than one person as it did not mention my name specifically so I guess many of you will have also received it. If not just informing anyone who'd like to know

Yeah I had the same. Thought it was thoughtful of them to reassure us so fair play for that. The waiting game continues!

 

[FManc]

Hi all, I had an email earlier informing me that if I've not yet had a start date it will be confirmed by October. The email seemed addressed to more than one person as it did not mention my name specifically so I guess many of you will have also received it. If not just informing anyone who'd like to know

Yeah same here
What's the general consensus on medicals? Will we have to undergo our medical before we get a start date i.e. before October.

 

[Peppajug78]

Yeah same here
What's the general consensus on medicals? Will we have to undergo our medical before we get a start date i.e. before October.

I got the same but I had my medical in March. I would hope that those of us who are waiting who have had medicals will be the next lot to get in courses and those who haven't will be to follow after but obviously don't know this for sure.

 

[xtradj]

Which depot's are you all waiting for?

I'm surprised to know some have not even had the medical yet?